Houston Regional Preview
The teams in this regional did not have to travel very far, as three Houston teams and Louisiana-Lafayette are featured. The University of Houston was snubbed of being a regional host the last two seasons, and finally get their chance to play postseason ball at home. Rice had a chance to host a regional, but instead make the four mile trip to UH. ULL was a national seed last year, but didn’t play as well this year losing 21 games. They won their conference tourney to get into a Regional. And maybe the biggest story coming into this regional, Houston Baptist University will make their very first NCAA Tournament appearance, after being DI for only two years. CSM Writer William Scott previews the Houston Regional.
Players to Watch:
1B Chris Iriat, Houston
I would consider Iriat Houston’s star player. He’s is batting .306 and has hit 14 homers for the Cougars. He’s also driven in 39 runs, and has more power than any player on the field.
LF Kirby Taylor, Rice
Kirby is a hit machine. He’s batting .339 with 29 RBI’s, and will be the best all around hitter in this regional.
2B Steven Trosclair, Louisiana-Lafayette
Trosclair might just be the best player in this regional. His .358 batting average and 16 homers explain why. If the Cajuns want to win this thing, he has to hit some dingers.
LHP Matthew McCollough, Houston Baptist
McCollough has an 8-2 record on the year, with a 2.55 ERA. He has pitched well down the stretch and has led the Huskies to their first ever NCAA Tournament. If they want a chance to beat the #1 seeded Cougars on Friday, HBU’s ace has to step up.
2B Josh Vidales, Houston
Vidales has had yet another solid season, batting .309 with 38 RBI’s. He torched LSU last year, leading the Cougars to an upset in the Baton Rouge Regional. UofH will need him in the Regional if they want a chance to take on the Tigers again in the Supers.
RHP Andrew Lanthrip, Houston
Like Vidales, Lanthrip also had a great regional last year in Baton Rouge. This year, he has an 8-3 record with a 2.50 ERA. He will likely start the Cougars second game.
Team that Could Surprise: Louisiana-Lafayette
I think the Ragin’ Cajuns have a very good chance to win this regional as the 3 seed. They finished the year very strong, and have won 9 of 11 coming into the Regional. ULL lost their first game in the Sun Belt Tournament, but ran the table winning five straight to qualify for the NCAA Tournament. They know what it takes to win a Regional, after winning one last year. Not many 3-seeds can say that. Steven Trosclair will be the best player on the field this weekend and if he can get a hold of the ball…..look out. If the Cajuns starting pitching can be consistent, they will give Houston a run for its money.
Regional Champ: Houston
The Cougs have just been so hot as of late, I don’t see a team beating them. They have won 20 of their last 24 games, and the bats have really come alive. They also have two outstanding starting pitchers in Lanthrip and Dowdy that lead the rotation. I expect this Cougars team to advance, and to give LSU a rematch.
